Rewe

REWE Group, commonly referred to as REWE, is a German multinational retail and tourism cooperative group. It is headquartered in Cologne and traces its origins to a 1927 association of West German consumer cooperatives known as Revisionsverband der Westdeutschen Konsumgenossenschaften, from which the REWE name is derived.

Core activities cover food retail, wholesale, and travel services. In Germany, REWE operates supermarkets under the REWE and REWE Center brands, the discount chain Penny, and the DIY chain Toom. The group’s travel division, DER Touristik, is one of Europe’s largest tour operators, with brands such as DERTour, ITS, and Jahn Reisen. Across Europe, REWE Group coordinates its store networks and services through regional subsidiaries and partner cooperatives, emphasizing private-label products and efficient logistics.

History and structure: The REWE name grew from the cooperative purchasing alliance formed by West German consumer cooperatives in the early 20th century. Over the decades, the group expanded through mergers, acquisitions, and the establishment of specialized divisions, evolving into a diversified retail and tourism enterprise. Today, REWE Group operates as a cooperative framework with regional member organizations contributing to purchasing, branding, and strategy while maintaining a centralized approach to logistics and marketing.

Presence and impact: REWE Group ranks among Europe’s major retailers by revenue and employment, with operations in its home market of Germany and in several other European countries. The group engages in sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives, aiming to balance competitive retail performance with social and environmental considerations.